Wednesday links: Robinson on Seahawk challenge of repeating, and more

We’ll start today with this interview of former Seahawk Michael Robinson on the Dave Damashek radio show.

Robinson discusses Pete Carroll’s coaching philosophy and the challenges for Seattle of repeating as Super Bowl champs, among other topics.

On the latter topic, Robinson says the two players the Seahawks cannot afford to lose Russell Wilson and Marshawn Lynch to injury. Robinson also says maybe Seattle’s biggest challenge this year is establishing new leaders in the locker room, noting that the team now has a lot of young players stepping into those roles (NFL.com has a recap of his comments here, as well).

“My question for the Seahawks this year is there [are] a lot of young guys in that locker room with new money,” Robinson said. “When issues come up in the locker room, who is the veteran that settles it? Last year you had guys like Red Bryant, Chris Clemons, myself that they could rely on. If things come up, ‘Hey guys, stop doing that, you go over there, you go over there and it’s over, no more.’ Guys would stop. Right now, guys have gotten paid, guys have gotten egos – that’s only natural with money. They have to watch against that in the locker room and that’s something that Pete [Carroll] can’t see; their offices are upstairs. They just have to keep a close watch on that.”

Robinson notes that the team recently added veteran Kevin Williams and that maybe he can take over some of that role, and also points to Cliff Avril as an older player who could assume some of that role, as well.

Seattle had similar questions a year ago about its maturity, though then the focus was on whether a largely young roster could live up to the hype. A new year, a new challenge.

— ESPN’s Matt Williamson says Lynch is one of five players to avoid from a fantasy perspective this season. Williamson writes in part:

Lynch is a volume runner with a ton of recent wear and tear on his body. He has over 1,000 rushing attempts the past three seasons and doesn’t offer a lot as a receiver.

Fumbling has also become an issue for Lynch over the past two seasons, and Seattle’s offensive line simply isn’t that good. Surely, Lynch will remain Seattle’s lead back, but Christine Michael‘s power and explosiveness leap off the screen. He needs more touches.

It might be wise for the Seahawks to conserve Lynch for late in the season (and especially the playoffs) more than they have in the past. Also, we shouldn’t forget about Robert Turbin, a fine back in his own right. Lastly, the Seahawks’ offseason moves suggest that they might be willing to put more on Russell Wilson‘s plate in the passing game. Expect Seattle’s percentage of pass plays called to go up in 2014.

— Williamson also hosted this chat today, and says he thinks Wilson will put up bigger numbers this year and to expect Michael to “explode” in 2015.